Haridwar

Haridwar, meaning Gateway to God, is one of the most holy places in India. It is believed to be as old as Varanasi. Haridwar holds the Kumbh mela every 6th and 12th year on the famous Har ki Paudi ghat.

Location : The district of Haridwar is located in the Garhwal region of Uttaranchal.

he Temple City Haridwar, one of the most holy cities for Hindus, literally means 'Gateway to God'. Legend goes that the Suryavnshi (belonging to Sun Dynasty) Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of the sage Kapila. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful waters revived the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Mythologically, drops of nectar churned out from the primordial ocean fell at the four sites of the Kumbh mela, including Haridwar. The Kumbh mela, happening once every 12 years and the Ardha Kumbha Mela, every six years are big draws. Haridwar is said to be visited by every god, to perform penance and meditation here.

The Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains at Haridwar, becoming very quite and calm. It is said that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate freedom, the Nirvana. Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul traditions of teaching. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. One of the first towns to be developed on Ganges, Haridwar is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji park in the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.

Har Ki Pauri
Also known as Har ki Pairi, it is the centre of attraction in the pilgrimage town of Haridwar. Devotees gather here to take a holy dip in the Ganges and to offer prayers. The celebration Ganga Aarti is a sight to behold here for tourists. The aarti ceremony takes place here every evening at 7 pm. As the river Ganga is worshipped, hundreds of diyas are set afloat along the river. According to Hindu mythology, Har ki Pairi is the place where a drop of the nectar fell from the moiling oceans, when the world came into existence.

Mansa Devi
One of the most visited temples in Haridwar, Mansa Devi Mandir occupies a place on top of the Shivalik hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, believed to fulfill the wishes of those who visit here. It is a tradition with the devotees to tie sacred threads around the tree that stands within the premises of the Mansa Devi temple. From the temple, one can have heart stirring views of the Haridwar town. Along with Chandi Devi temple and the Maya Devi temple, it completes the Siddhapeeth Triangle.

Getting There
Air : Haridwar is 35 Km from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, where one can get taxis and buses for Haridwar.

Rail : Haridwar is a major railhead on the rail routes to Uttaranchal. Haridwar is connected to the major cities of India by direct trains.

Road : Haridwar is connected to major cities of Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh via roadways. Some of the major distances are Rishikesh- 24 Km, Delhi- 214 Km, Agra- 386 Km, Badrinath- 325 Km, Dehradun- 52 Km, Kedarnath- 250 Km and Nainital- 286 Km. The city trasport of Haridwar consists of Hand-rickshaws, Tongas and Auto-rickshaws.